Mohamed al-Rayahi, who has been with Qatar Shell since 2007, is a fine example of Qatari nationals seeking to challenge themselves and are willing to proactively develop.
The oil and gas industry is at the core of Qatar’s economy, and the energy sector presents an ideal platform for Qatari nationals to contribute to the development and success of their nation. 
Following his graduation from the University of Manchester, al-Rayahi found himself considering several job offers in Qatar but decided to join the energy sector, with Qatar Shell.
“I was very fortunate to find multiple employment opportunities in Qatar as a fresh graduate, but I chose Qatar Shell because it offered the best development programme, which indicated to me that it is an organisation that takes care of its employees,” he said.
Al-Rayahi joined Qatar Shell as part of the organisation’s Graduate Programme. Through a combination of hard work, personal ambition and structured development and support, he is now the Utilities Maintenance Manager at the Pearl Gas to Liquids plant, the world’s largest GTL plant built in partnership with Qatar Petroleum.
Having spent his first two years at Qatar Shell with the offshore team working on the drilling rig, platforms and barge, al-Rayahi has since travelled to several Shell global locations. The Qatari now shoulders the responsibility of managing the maintenance of the utilities unit at Pearl GTL, managing and appraising a team of 42 people.
“Pearl GTL is divided into process blocks ranging from Feed Gas Processing units to Liquid Processing units. My block interfaces with all process blocks and provides them with utilities (air, steam, water and power). In my role I am responsible for maintaining the biggest air separation and water treatment units in the world, to ensure the successful creation of GTL products,” he said. 
“My job requires me to drive efficiency to ensure the production plant continues to operate successfully. I am proud of my role because Pearl has made Qatar the GTL capital of the world, and the plant’s output continues to contribute to the realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
While his eight year journey at Qatar Shell has seen al-Rayahi grow professionally, international assignments in Malaysia and Singapore have contributed greatly to his personal growth through exposure to Shell’s extensive and diverse professional network. There are about 300 Qataris within Qatar Shell, holding technical and commercial positions at all levels of the company.